Published
2025-11-26
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Research Articles
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Copyright (c) 2025 Arnold M. Ferolino

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How to Cite
Career selection in STEM: Relationship between academic achievement and STEM career decision
Arnold Ferolino
Integrated Laboratory High School, Western Mindanao State University, Baliwasan, Zamboanga City, 7000, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i11.4267
Keywords: stem; academic achievement; career decision; stem career selection
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between Academic Achievement and Career Decision of STEM-tertiary Students. It specifically addressed the following questions: 1. What is the level of academic achievement of STEM-tertiary students? 2. Is there a significant relationship between academic achievement and career decision in STEM? 3. Does type of secondary school graduated significantly influence career decision in STEM?
Eighty-six (86) STEM-tertiary students served as respondents of the study. Collection of data was done through an online survey. The study's findings showed that students who choose STEM careers generally demonstrate high academic achievement during their SHS years. In addition, a significant positive correlation was found between academic achievement and career decision in STEM, ρ(84) = .716, p < .001, indicating that students with higher academic performance are more likely to make confident and well-informed decisions to pursue STEM-related careers. Lastly, the study found no significant difference in STEM career decision based on the type of secondary school attended, with a z-value of -0.95 and a p-value of 0.341, suggesting that the quality or category of school has little to no influence on students’ decisions to enter STEM fields.
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